2018 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Last October found us at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta once again. Rob’s sister, Mary Beth, and her husband, Jim, came down so we were able to experience it with them, and we had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, we were not quite as lucky this time around as we had been in the past. We went to two sessions, one evening and one morning. At the evening session, the wind was too strong and no balloons were able to inflate. We missed out on the night glow, but we did get to see some parachuters, the laser light show, and an incredible fireworks display.

At the morning session, lots of balloons were allowed to inflate, but none could take off, so we were not able to see the mass ascension. Normally the Canon balloon takes off first with the American flag while they play the National Anthem, but this year it was unable to do so. Instead, pilots all around the field lit their propane in what I heard was called a candlestick display. It was quite amazing and the first time we had ever seen it done. Balloons then filled all around the field and it was absolutely beautiful. I missed watching the mass ascension, but it was still wonderful to be able to share the experience with Jim and Mary Beth.